TOPIC: Computer systems

Just seeing if anyone out there may have a referral on a good POS system or software for Box office and or concession. would like to have something that is fast, super fast that is. Also something that cuts back on internal theft possiblitys.

Thanks for your time

John A. LaCaze III
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Thank you for saying that, John. I too have been looking at POINT OF SALE equipment, and am constantly thinking, "Who in thier right mind would call their equipment . . . . Oh, it means Point Of . . . " (BTW, anyone have any experience with RTS? Comments?)

Avalon,
I own a three screen indie, and have been using RTS for over a year now. I can certainly vouch for the quality of the system that they offer. I looked at a ton of systems before making a decision. Went to Showeast a year ago and looked even more. For my theatre, it is doing an exceptional job. I set the network up myself with three stations and the back office computer. I went to the expense of touch screens that they offer, but did go with the Practical Automations printer instead of the Boca. The best thing I ever did was use the Magnetic card module that was with the program. I now can sell a debit card for gifts, use the card at any selling station, put as much on the card as the customer wants, do an instant lookup of the balance of any card, use the card database to generate a mailing and the system total seems to constantly have a balance of 5 to 6 thousand dollars that earns interest in my account.
Support has always been top of the line. I even have had my managers call them at all hours and they have solved the problem within minutes. I guess the fact that I am licensed to use the software instead of buying it caught my eye as well. Seems like I never have a ton of extra cash lying around that doesn't have a home. I love the reports, and it is funny, last year the kids that work for me took over $2300.00 worth of discounts on candy just for themselves.....never knew that before!!
If you have any questions, feel free to post them here, or email me privately.....I will give you the skinny on what my experiences have been.
lance

This is what makes Bigscreenbiz an amazing resource -- Thanks Lance, for the way-cool info. Since Craze started this thread, I'll ask my questions here so all can see the responses. I'm a single screen art house and I do a HUGE amount in gift certificates. Since I stumbled upon a card reader it sounds like i'm all set for that. I like the touch screen since my counter space is limited (tickets and snacks sold at same register).

-- What did you mean by being licensed to used the equipment rather than buying it? I'm guessing you mean like buying on eBay where RTS deosn't get a dime?

-- Is there any interface for doing 'net sales? Do you use it?

-- Can it be used as a Visa/debit card reader or do you still need that equpiment? Do you do this and how's it doin' fer ya?

Avalon,
The software in not purchased from RTS, you pay a fee to use it and it is renewed annually. Costs like $250 per station, which is cheap considering what other systems cost....IMO. RTS is simple to use, simple to set up and as long as you don't get creative like I did and rename a computer on the network (I know RTS is reading this and they continue to remind me not to get creative!!) it takes like 20 minutes to be up and running, and it has a back office module that you can do everything from watch sales in real time to change the schedule. My new operations manager recently incorporated the time clock feature so now she pulls in all the "time cards" never leaving her office. They have a feature where employees log on, and you can review each employees transactions for the whole selling shift. Nice to know if there seems to be a lot of voids, or refunds....keeps things honest. Hey, I am more than satisfied with this system. It handles sales at all stations easily, it does a great job with the gift cards, it has a ton of reports that can be customized, you can export to a host of other programs all for the license fee. And I am not kidding when I say that they have top shelf support. I was at showeast this year talking to Greg Borr, I looked over and saw Rob answer his cell phone and I can bet it was a support call from the sounds of things....they stand by their software. As for the internet, yes I think they have been messing with this as a point of sale, but I have no interest in it with my theatre, so you may want to ask them directly. I also refuse to pay a credit card company a percentage, so I do not accept them at my theatre so I can't answer that either. Time for Greg to step in I guess. I think Greg posted to this thread, email him for a free demo package, it is worth a look for a smaller operation. And the last thing, I am not affilliated at all with the company and anyone that knows me would tell you that if this system was a POS rather than a point of sale, I would tell you that too.
whew...
lance
by the way....at this time any ugrades to the system, is free....and has been. All you have to do is download it which is where I am headed right now.....

Lance, First of all I'm glad the software has worked out well for you. Secondly, Thank You for all the kind words, it is nice to know that all our hard work and long hours pay off.

Avalon, Internet Ticketing is available via www.readyticket.net We have recently added the capability to process credit cards through the software, requires a dedicated internet connection as does internet ticketing.

Software licensing is as follows, $250.00 per year/per selling station, Internet Ticketing is $250.00 per year and Credit Card Server is $500.00 per year. Software for the Back Office is provided at no charge.

The mag card reader can be used for both credit cards and our Movie Card electronic gift certificates.

Greg Borr
Ready Theatre Systems
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Andrew: All my family is Canadian -- B.C. to Toronto, but I'm a Yank, and I like it here. Heard about the system via freind who might of heard it thru NATO.

Lance and Greg: Good info. Thanks. will more than likely start with the RTS softwear and move out from there. Right now I'm getting Visa capable, so next will be the POS equipment. Will email you as questions arise.

Mike: Glad to have the site back!!! Hope your arm feels better. The remote question is a good one since I too am contimplating aquiring another screen or two and would just love to be able to watch remote sales real-time.

Buy your own hardware, which is getting really cheap these days, and license the software from them. RTS does offer hardware on their site, and I found them to be competetive with things like cash drawer, card readers, and touch monitors. I did go with a different printer, but they now offer more choices.
good luck
lance

ttroidl,
We sell hardware, but you can provide your own as well, I do suggest you check with us to make sure we support it before purchasing it, if we do not we will do our best to ad the drivers to support it. I don't believe you will find a less expensive windows based software program for theatres, we are $250.00 per selling station per year, including support and upgrades, office software is free. Software will do Ticketing/Concessions/Inventory/Etc.

Mike,
If you have an internet connection at your theatre and at your home office you will be able to send and retrieve data, monitor real time, and even remote control the system. Glad to see the site back up and running!

Lance,
I'm working on a deal for 100 Practical Printers, will print on 3.25 ticket stock, if it goes through we'll have an unbelievable price for a high end printer, while supplies last. If I remember right you got a heck of a deal from Practical as well.

Thanks everyone for your interest in RTS, feel free to ask any other questions and I'll do my best to answer.

Greg Borr
Ready Theatre Systems
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